"A rich tapestry of a book, researched with meticulous
accuracy and blazing with strong personalities. Fascinating reading."
--Seattle Times

Continuing the epic story of Henry
II, Europeís most powerful medieval king, and his beautiful and daring wife
Eleanor of Aquitaine Ė a tale of passionate struggle and murderous betrayal from
the heart of the Middle Ages.

England, Godís year 1156, and Henry and Eleanor are battling to keep hold of the
crown. Warring with the Welsh and Eleanorís aggrieved first husband, the French
King, Henry needs all the allies he can find. But when he arranges for his
friend and confidant Thomas Becket to become Archbishop of Canterbury he makes a
terrible mistake. For Becket embraces his new role as defender of the Faith and
turns his back on Henry.

One bad decision is swiftly followed by another when Henry seeks solace in the
arms of Rosamund Clifford, a comely young baronís daughter. Alienating his proud
and passionate Queen and finding himself in an impossible position with his
former friend, Henry realises too late that all he and his wife have sought to
build may come toppling down Ö